Fort Slocum

Fort Slocum is a Civil War-era fortification in Northeast Washington, D.C., built with earthwork ramparts to defend the capital's northern approaches. The site contains remnants of gun positions and trenches spread across a wooded area.

Union soldiers built this fortification in 1861 following the Battle of First Bull Run, naming it after Colonel John Slocum who died at Manassas. The fort later helped defend the capital during Confederate attacks on the city in 1864.

The fort stands as a testament to the Northern military engineering during the Civil War, featuring multiple siege howitzers and 24-pounder guns.

The site is now a public park with walking paths through wooded areas located near the intersection of Kansas Avenue NW and Madison Street NW. Visitors can explore the earthwork remains and gun positions visible across the forested grounds.

The fort participated in defensive operations during the Confederate Raid on Washington in July 1864, supporting nearby Fort Stevens with artillery fire.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1861

Part of: Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.95972,-77.01444

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00